Jose Aldo respects Chan Sung Jung but sees holes in his game

Though UFC featherweight Chan Sung Jung is certainly a skilled competitor, “The Korean Zombie” is not necessarily the man most see as being the true #1 contender at 145 pounds. Regardless, Jung scored an opportunity to fight champion Jose Aldo on August 3 at UFC 163. Though Aldo also recognizes a few of his peers might be more deserving than Jung, the 26-year old isn’t making the mistake of overlooking his upcoming opponent.

“Any fighter at this level is dangerous. You have to respect them all and train very hard. That is what we have been doing for this fight. Because of that, I think things will go well for this fight,” explained Aldo in a recent interview with the UFC. “Maybe people don’t give him the credit he deserves. But the fact he reached this point and is fighting for the belt really means a lot. It means he has to be respected and because of that I will train hard to be ready for him.”

The 22-1 Aldo’s appreciation for what Jung has to offer is well-placed considering his foe has finished all but two of the opponents he’s beaten and is riding the momentum of consecutive wins over Leonard Garcia, Mark Hominick, and Dustin Poirier. That being said, “Scarface” still sees plenty of flaws he feels he can exploit when they lock horns in Brazil.

“I do think he fights very wide open. He leaves a lot of opportunities to be struck, so if that is the way he really wants to fight, then that is the way I want to fight as well,” said Aldo of Jung’s stand-up.

Jung has only been knocked out a single time in his career, eating a head kick from George Roop during their WEC days. Meanwhile, Aldo’s confidence is clearly well-placed, as he’s stopped thirteen opponents with strikes while his only in-ring stumble came by way of submission.

I know a lot of folks say that Cub or Lamas is more deserving of a title shot, but I love this fight. I’m pretty sure Aldo wins and I don’t think it goes the distance, but for as long as it goes, it’s going to be fireworks for sure.